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Author: Petalon Landscape

Integrate Pest Control into Your Landscape Management Services

A Sustainable Approach to Flourishing Landscapes

Pest Management

A lush, healthy landscape requires optimum design and plant selection, timely nourishment and care, and adequate protection against insects, pests and diseases. Routine maintenance activities, such as mowing, pruning, fertilizing and cleanups are critical. However, it is equally important to integrate pest control into your landscaping management services.

At Petalon Landscape Management, we believe in a proactive, ecosystem-based strategy that keeps your landscape free of pests and pest damage. This includes making your trees and plants resistant to almost all landscape-damaging creatures, such as caterpillars, aphids, mites, wood-boring insects, burrowing vermin, even skunks, possums, raccoons and more. Our comprehensive approach focuses on sustainable solutions that address pest problems, while minimizing the risks to people and the environment. Read on to learn more.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Your Bay Area Landscape

What is integrated pest control all about? It is a multi-pronged strategy that methodically addresses pest issues at various levels. The key steps for incorporating IPM into your landscape are:

  • Identification: We carefully monitor and accurately identify pests on your property to narrow down the environmental factors that impact their growth and proliferation.
  • Tolerance: We review the identified species, their biology and likely impact on your landscape. This helps us determine whether your grass, plants, shrubs and trees can tolerate and neutralize the threat on their own or will need intervention to fight the infestation.
  • Timely Response: If we see the need for immediate attention, we devise a combination of biological, cultural, physical and chemical control measures to keep your landscape free of pests, insects and vermin. Our trained professionals will work on a detailed treatment strategy, seek your approval and give you regular progress updates.

A Snapshot of Integrated Pest Control Measures

  • Biological Control: Simply put, this is a strategy where pest kills pest. We use biological insecticides that contain certain microorganisms that are natural enemies of the targeted pests.
  • Cultural Control: These measures focus on reducing the pest’s establishment and reproduction, as well as spread and survival. For example, we sometimes advise clients to simply modify irrigation patterns or watering techniques. This can help reduce fungal disease infections and kill certain weeds, thus, offering better protection to your landscape. 
  • Physical Controls: We incorporate strategic physical measures to deter pests or make the environment unsuitable for them, including the use of traps for rodents. We don’t shy away from picking bugs off plants by hand. In fact, we find that this is often far more effective and considerably safer for the environment, compared to using synthetic pesticides.
  • Chemical Controls: When all other measures fall short, we use synthetic pesticides sparingly. We select only those products that are safe for the air, soil quality, water quality, other beneficial organisms, and for humans and pets.

By integrating pest control into your landscape management services, we focus on growing healthy, pest-resistant plants and turf. Protect your landscape and property and ensure long-term prevention of pests and pest damage with Petalon’s integrated pest control services. Our professional expertise, decades of experience and personalized services has led to a growing base of happy customers across HOAs, municipalities, and retail and corporate complexes.

We serve the landscaping needs of commercial properties across Santa Clara County, including Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Redwood City and Palo Alto.

Contact us online for a quote or call 408-453-3998 to learn more about our integrated pest control services for commercial properties in Santa Clara County.

Is Drought Tolerant Landscaping Still Required for Bay Area Properties?

What are the Benefits?

drought-tolerant-plants-silicon-valley

After the frequent winter storms and heavy rain in the beginning of this year, the Bay Area has officially bid goodbye to the drought. In fact, by March 2019, the entire state of California came out of drought for the first time since December 2011. While this is excellent news for residents who have faced severe water shortage issues, do commercial properties in the Bay Area still need drought-tolerant landscaping? The answer is, YES. Just because water is plentiful now, does not mean you should be less concerned about conserving it.

As a leading landscaping company in the Bay Area, Petalon Landscape Management offers innovative landscaping ideas and technology-driven water management techniques. With deep knowledge and expertise in this area, we have helped several commercial properties and HOAs maximize their investment in drought-resistant landscaping.

Benefits of Upgrading to Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Whether you are in the middle of a severe water crisis, or you have some respite with plenty of rainfall and deep snow in the mountains, upgrading to landscaping that requires less water is always a great investment.

  • Cost Savings: Plants that need very little water will save you money on your water bills. Besides, these hardy plants can survive extreme heat and dry weather conditions, so you will not have to spend on replacing wilted or dead plants. Additionally, the state water department and local municipalities have been offering attractive rebates for turf replacement to Bay Area commercial properties. Even single family residences that do away with their lawns and invest in sustainable landscaping are eligible for rebates as high as $2,000.  
  • Resource Conservation: From conserving water to using less pesticides and fertilizers, xeriscaping has a positive impact on the environment. Moreover, planting native, water-wise plants and shrubs is a step towards reinforcing the natural habitat that supports our native birds and wildlife.
  • Low Maintenance: With a landscape that has minimal grass and low water consuming plants, you can reduce your mowing, trimming and irrigation. Due to their extensive root systems, drought-resistant plants not only tap deep into the ground, but also hold down the soil, and prevent wind and rain erosion. Which means, you don’t have to worry about improving drainage or building retaining walls.
  • Enhanced Property Value and Brand Image: A well-designed, sustainable landscape will potentially boost the value of your property. Moreover, your water smart commercial landscaping could be a talking point while promoting your brand and business. Impress potential tenants and clients by showcasing your conservation and environment-friendly efforts.
  • Unique Aesthetics: It is a misconception that low water use landscaping is all about pebbles, rocks and mulch. In fact, there are some beautiful, water-wise plants and shrubs that come in great colors and textures and add a unique aesthetic appeal. Some species also offer soft, walkable and expansive ground cover.

There is no telling when the Bay Area dry spell will relapse. Weather experts suggest that the region needs plenty more rain and snow in the upcoming winter. No matter how the conditions evolve, it makes good business sense to upgrade your existing landscaping today and enjoy its many benefits for years to come.

For smart and cost-effective drought-tolerant landscaping, count on the experienced commercial landscapers at Petalon. We can transform your property through comprehensive water management strategies, including turf reduction, efficient irrigation and stunning hardscaping.

Property owners, developers and managers across Santa Clara County, including Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Redwood City, Mountain View, Los Gatos and Palo Alto depend on us for sustainable commercial landscaping solutions.

Call 408-453-3998 to learn why drought-tolerant landscaping is still crucial for your Bay Area property. You can also contact us online for a quote.

Seasonal Flower Planting Services

Add Life to Your Commercial Property with Seasonal Flower Planting

Hire an Experienced Landscape Management Company

seasonal-flower-plantings-fremont-ca

The colors and textures that come with seasonal flower plantings will add life to any tired landscape. A burst of vibrant blooms will not only enhance curb appeal, but also make your property inviting all year round. Petalon Landscape Management offers budget-friendly, low-maintenance planting ideas to beautify commercial landscapes. Whether it is passersby, tenants, employees or visitors, your commercial landscape will get noticed when it’s designed and installed by our seasonal flower planting specialists.

We Keep Your Commercial Property Fresh and Blooming in Every Season

Before selecting the plants that will add life to your commercial landscape, our seasonal flower planting specialists consider several factors.

  • Climatic Variations: Due to micro-climates within the Bay Area, every neighborhood may experience varying temperatures and humidity levels. We take into account the specific weather pattern in your area to create a healthy mix of plants that will flower in each season. Your landscape will showcase an abundance of colorful blooms all year round.
  • Soil Type: The type of soil on your property is instrumental in determining the fertilizing needs and blooming quality of flowering plants. We ensure that your new, flowering landscape is easy to maintain and produces masses of bright, colorful blossoms.
  • Shading: While some plants do exceedingly well in the shade, others need a minimum number of hours of daily, direct sunlight. We carefully chart out a landscape design and planting pattern based on sun exposure requirements for each species.
  • Drought Tolerance: The Bay Area and its surrounding communities have seen their fair share of drought conditions in the past few years. We consider your irrigation system and water conservation requirements when choosing the best seasonal flowers for your property.
  • Architectural Details: We like to ensure a harmonious design and layout, keeping in mind the existing trees, shrubs and plants, hardscaping elements and architectural details of your commercial property.
  • Theme and Layout: We are flexible in our design approach. If you have a layout in mind, we welcome your ideas and input. If you are not sure what you want, we are happy to propose options based on your preferred theme and budget.

Rejuvenate your commercial property or give it a complete makeover with Petalon’s seasonal flower planting services. We specialize in designing and installing beautiful, flowering landscapes that enhance your curb appeal and stay attractive all year long. Our experienced and knowledgeable gardeners, unparalleled customer service, and expertise in drought condition planting makes us an ideal landscaping partner.

From corporate campuses and municipalities, to HOA communities and shopping centers, we serve a range of commercial clients in cities throughout the Bay Area.

Call 408-453-3998 to know how seasonal flower planting can add new life to your commercial property landscape. You can also contact us online for a quote.

Estate Landscaping Care – Best Practices

Estate Landscaping Care Requires Experience and Skill  

Follow these Best Practices and Maintain Beautiful Grounds

estate landscaping

As managers or owners of large properties, your estate landscaping care needs to differ from residential premises. The extensive acreage, water supply needs, drainage systems and pest management issues pose challenges that are large in scale as well as complexity. Moreover, your estate grounds may feature unique or expensive trees or plants, or varying terrains that need a focused approach for care and maintenance. Hire experienced commercial landscapers who are knowledgeable in estate landscaping care best practices.

At Petalon Landscape Management, we serve a large and diverse client base and understand the unique needs and challenges of large properties and estates. Read on to learn more about estate landscaping from our experts.

Insights into Estate Landscaping Care Best Practices

When it comes to large estates, you want to simplify landscaping care activities and minimize costs without compromising curb appeal. Efficiently managed estates achieve these objectives by adopting several integrated measures.

  • Lawn Care: Invest in quality turf care services, including weekly, monthly and seasonal care. From seeding, mowing, edging and trimming, to fertilization, weed control, thatch removal and aeration, Petalon offers comprehensive lawn care packages.
  • Arbor Care: Protect the health and beauty of the trees on your estate through an annual maintenance program that includes regular pruning, trimming, fertilization and crown control. Our expert arborists consider your neighborhood micro-climate, heat conditions, growing seasons and the specific trees on your property, while planning and overseeing all aspects of tree care.
  • Drought Solutions: More and more estates are adopting sustainable landscaping by:
    • Selecting drought-tolerant plants, trees and groundcover, creating xeriscapes that sustain on available rain water
    • Installing smart irrigation systems with timers or sensor-activated watering, ET-based controllers, reclaimed water solutions, and efficient drainage systems
  • Pest Management: Many estate managers integrate pest management with plant health plans by:
    • Selecting pest and disease-resistant plant varieties
    • Maintaining the soil quality and health for better plant nutrition
    • Altering the micro-environment by preserving and nourishing pest-controlling and soil-enhancing organisms.

To adopt current best practices in estate landscaping care, count on the experienced commercial landscapers at Petalon. We transform landscapes to make them drought resistant and reduce maintenance costs and efforts. In addition to routine lawn care, tree care and pest control services, we specialize in installing smart irrigation systems.

As an award-winning commercial landscaper, we have successfully partnered with several estates in Santa Clara County, including Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Redwood City and Palo Alto.

For design, installation and maintenance of beautiful cost-effective estate landscapes, trust the experienced team at Petalon Landscape Management. Speak to one of our experts at 408-453-3998 or contact us online for a quote.

Grass Types for Low Water Landscaping

Be Smart, Go Green with Your San Jose Area Commercial Property

commercial lawn care

Water-efficient grass and ground cover are becoming popular options for lawns in the drought-prone state of California. Besides saving water, there are several additional benefits. Your property will enjoy year-round curb appeal with minimal maintenance efforts and lower cost. Our team of experts at Petalon shares their top 5 grass types for low water landscaping in the San Jose area.

5 Attractive Water-Wise Grass Options for Your Commercial Property

  1. Buffalo Grass: Being a warm-season grass, it thrives during the hottest times of the year with very little irrigation (1/4 to ½ inch of water per week). Some variants of this grass may save up to 75 percent of the water used to maintain traditional grass. The growth is relatively slow, which reduces maintenance requirements such as mowing, trimming and fertilizing.
  2. Blue Grama: Another attractive warm-season lawn alternative, Blue Grama does well in sandy soil. Requiring minimal watering (also 1/4 to ½ inch per week) once established, it is drought-tolerant and ideal for water-wise landscapes. It is often mixed with Buffalo Grass for lawn areas but can also be used by itself and as a border for rock gardens.
  3. Sheep Fescue: Although it is a cool-season grass, Sheep Fescue tolerates extreme temperatures quite well. Densely tufted and low growing, the fine blue-green (or grey-green) leaves will give your landscape a textured look. Also water-efficient and slow growing, it can thrive without supplemental irrigation.
  4. White Clover: A popular option for drought-prone areas, White Clover offers an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover for your business premises. It stays green all summer with little or no watering and attracts beneficial insects which pollinate your garden. It requires no fertilization (in fact, fertilizers will damage it) and minimal mowing to keep it tidy. In addition to having a mildly pleasant smell, it has a soft, lush and cool feel.
  5. Yarrow: Deep-rooted, drought-resistant Yarrow spreads rather quickly, offering a bright green ground cover for arid climates. Tougher than grass, it is extremely tolerant of high traffic. It thrives in most areas of California requiring no irrigation or fertilization and very little mowing once established.

Count on our drought-tolerant landscaping solutions to make your business stand out. When combined with our water-wise irrigation systems, you will receive significant maintenance cost savings.

Let us help you maintain curb appeal in every season with our weekly gardening programs. Our customers enjoy not only a great quality landscape, but also an opportunity to be part of a “green” lifestyle that is gentle on the environment.

Commercial property owners and managers across the San Jose area, including in Mountain View, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Morgan Hill and Menlo Park depend on our sustainable landscape management services.

Contact us online for a quote or call 408-453-3998 to ask us more about grass types for low water landscaping in the San Jose area.

Selecting a Commercial Landscape Maintenance Company?

Know the Key Aspects to Consider

Commercial Landscape

Often, landscaping services can seem like they are all the same. Everyone promises to do a great job and offers the same list of services. So, how do you select a commercial landscape maintenance company for your San Jose area property? Here is some valuable advice from the Petalon team.

5 Must-Haves for Your Landscaping Service

Find out as much as you can about the landscapers in advance to avoid nasty surprises after the contract is signed.

  1. Experience and training: Examine the company’s background and details about the services they offer. Industry certifications, affiliations, awards, and the number of years in business are indicative of their landscaping experience. Be sure they are qualified and insured to handle all your landscaping needs. Ask if their crew undergoes ongoing training; this will tell you whether they have up to date knowledge of the latest trends and techniques. Talk to current and previous customers to get an idea of what to expect.
  • Dedicated management and operations team: Maintaining a large commercial or multi-unit residential property with annual gardens, mature trees, patios and walkways is labor intensive. It requires dedicated management and as well-structured operations teams. Our highly experienced gardeners can report to your site daily to help you maintain a healthy and vibrant landscape. Having a single point of contact to manage all your landscaping needs makes it convenient and easy to work with us.
  • Flexible resources and modern equipment: Scalable and customizable landscaping services can better fulfill your requirements. From trimming and mowing to fertilization, pest control and landscape enhancements, our tailored solutions help you maintain an attractive property. Using a fleet of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques, we work efficiently, safely and with minimal disruption to your business. 
  • Knowledge about water savings: Water-efficiency is at the forefront of all landscaping practices. It’s critically important to choose a company that follows a sustainable approach, so ask your prospective landscape maintenance providers what they can do to improve your water savings. At Petalon, we provide drought-tolerant landscaping solutions and smart irrigation systems to help our clients reduce costs and save water.
  • Certified arborists for tree care: Pruning, fertilizing, and soil management are critical to preserving the trees on your property. Arborists are knowledgeable and trained to provide proper care for each tree.

Count on our landscape maintenance team to do routine checks and carry out regular tree, plant and turf care. This will keep your property looking its best throughout the year. Our integrated approach to landscape and irrigation maintenance can help jumpstart your water-efficiency initiatives and significantly lower your property maintenance expenses.

Property owners, developers and managers across the San Jose area, including those in, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Morgan Hill and Menlo Park depend on our full-service landscape management programs.Call 408-453-3998 for more tips on how to select a commercial landscape maintenance company. You can also contact us online to request a quote for landscaping services.

5 Things We Look at For Drainage Repair

Efficient Drainage Repair – Top 5 Things We Look At

Experienced Landscape Management Services to Prevent Waterlogging

Ponding water is a property manager’s nightmare. The resultant swampy landscape, rotting plants, structural damage and mossy walkways can mean hundreds of dollars in cleanup and restoration. With drainage issues being so common, taking preventative measures is less expensive than the cure. Read the 5 things we look for in drainage repair and how to prevent them.

Signs Your Landscape Has Drainage Issues

  1. Standing water: A soggy lawn and plant beds or pools of standing water or accumulated mulch, leaves and soil on your manicured landscape after it rains are a clear indication of drainage issues. Formation of rivulets, another sign of trouble, also points to water runoff and possible soil erosion. While improper grading could be a factor, most often, compacted soil, clogged downspouts and drain pipes or French drains are the cause.
  2. Staining or moss on walkways and stairs: Unsightly black stains or moss on your hardscapes, walkways and stairs indicate deeper problems. Simply cleaning them off is a waste of time, effort and money. They are likely to reappear if you do not eliminate the root cause. Compacted soil and poor drainage promote moss growth which will spill over from your garden to the hardscapes.
  3. Malfunctioning downspouts: Clogged, broken, improperly-sized and wrongly-located downspouts tend to direct large amounts of rain water onto your lawn, plant beds or hardscaping. Replacing or redirecting them can help reduce the problem.
  4. Clogged or broken drain pipes: Falling leaves and debris are the most likely culprits of blocked landscape drainage pipes. Tree root infiltration is another possible cause. Older pipes can crack, corrode or collapse due to age. Ground shifting on account of freeze-thaw cycles can allow roots to find their way into the drainage system.
  5. Choked or improperly installed French drains: While installation of French drains is meant to prevent flooding, they are not without problems. Silt, sediment and other debris can clog the drains and cause backup and overflow. Installing slotted pipes rather than ones with holes will help prevent sand and soil from getting in. We also recommend putting in filters where the drain starts, to make for easy cleaning. This is less troublesome and expensive than digging up and cleaning or replacing the entire system.

Count on our drainage and irrigation solutions to help you maintain a healthy and attractive landscape throughout the year. Our landscape maintenance team will perform routine checks and carry out tree, plant and turf care to keep your property looking its best. Clients benefit from our integrated approach to landscape and irrigation maintenance. We can help kickstart your water-efficiency initiatives and significantly reduce your property maintenance expenses.

Property owners, developers and managers across the San Jose and East Bay areas, including in Fremont, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville depend on our comprehensive landscape management services.

Call 408-453-3998 to further discuss what we look at for drainage repair. You can also contact us online to request a quote for landscape drainage services.

5 Ideas for Cost Effective Landscaping for Estates

Hire an Experienced Landscape Management Company

commercial lawn care

There are many ways to reduce maintenance costs without sacrificing the curb appeal of your estate property. A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden with a smart irrigation system is one of the most rewarding ways to minimize costs. To achieve this, you need careful planning, an efficient design and skilled installation. Our experts share their top 5 ideas for cost-effective landscaping that estates in the San Jose Area can easily implement.

Reducing Landscape Maintenance Expenses is All About Good Planning

  1. Be smart about plant selection: Installing native plants that require less water will streamline your landscape maintenance budget. At Petalon, we go a step further by helping you lower landscape watering requirements and reduce cleanup efforts significantly. Ask us which trees and plants require little water and minimal cleanup of leaves, sticks and fruit.
  2. Consider xeriscaping: Create a landscape with attractive native plants and ground cover that survive on available rain water. With drought and the consequent water-use restrictions, xeriscaping is gaining popularity in the Mountain View, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Morgan Hill and Menlo Park areas. It involves creative plantings of drought-resistant vegetation in an aesthetically-pleasing, natural environment.
  3. Opt for water-wise irrigation systems: Struggling to get your water conservation efforts off the ground? Installing rain gauges and master valves with flow meters, upgrading to evapotranspiration-based controllers and converting overhead sprinklers to high-efficiency heads wherever possible, can help kickstart and sustain your efforts. Our recommendations are based on your unique requirements, keeping in mind your property’s soil type and climate in the area.
  4. Invest in a tree care program: Our proactive approach protects the health and beauty of your trees. Selecting the right types and identifying suitable planting locations is a good start. However, regular pruning to manage height, fruit production and growth is equally critical. An annual tree maintenance program overseen by arborists that includes periodic trimming, crown reduction, fertilization, disease and pest-control is more cost-efficient than random services.
  5. Schedule weekly garden maintenance: Weekly tree, plant and lawn care can be less expensive than emergency care. Clear and elegant walks using safe and modern materials are less costly to maintain. We offer a range of options with custom maintenance plans to fit your budget and improve the overall health of your estate landscape.

Count on our estate landscaping services to make your property the envy of the neighborhood.

Estate owners and managers across the San Jose area, including in Mountain View, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Morgan Hill and Menlo Park depend on our comprehensive landscape management services.

Contact us online for a quote or call 408-453-3998 to discuss cost-effective landscaping for estates in the San Jose area.

Tree Care Needs for Spring

How to Keep on Top of Tree Care Needs for Spring  

Hire an Experienced Landscape Management Company  

tree care needs

The right care at the right time by tree experts will help your green investments thrive. Commercial and retail property owners and managers often have many trees and plants to manage and limited resources to do so, but we can help. Here is a simple guide to managing your tree care needs for spring.  

Spring Tree Maintenance Tips for Commercial Properties

  • Inspect trees for winter damage, pests and disease: With reduced foliage after the winter, it is easier to see signs of stress on the bark and limbs. Seek the help of an arborist to properly identify current and potential issues. You can request a detailed report and comprehensive plan to help nurture your trees back to good health. This will also help with budgeting for the rest of the year.
  • Prune branches: When done correctly and at the right time, pruning promotes healthy growth. Early spring is an ideal time for trimming crisscrossing, weak and dead branches, and thinning deadwood. Delaying this maintenance activity can expose your trees to pests and disease.
  • Clean mulch rings: Remove fallen debris like broken limbs and twigs, leaves, as well as excess mulch. You can leave 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of the tree. This makes it easier for sunlight and water to reach the roots. It will also deter fungi and mold growth.
  • Examine the root system: Tree roots are responsible for providing nutrition, water and structural support. Though below the ground, they too are susceptible to damage and disease. Check for signs of trouble like exposed roots, those crossing over the trunk or pushing through the grass and concrete structures. Assess the root zone for drainage issues; prolonged flooding can kill your trees. Compacted soil is also a problem as it prevents nutrients, water and sunlight from reaching the roots.
  • Fertilize: Winter causes hardening and depletes nutrients in the soil. Loosen and fertilize the soil around tree bases to feed and nurture the roots. A strong root system offers greater resistance to pests, disease and extreme weather while promoting healthy branch and leaf growth. Incorporating scheduled fertilization into your annual tree maintenance program will help take care of this important need.
  • Check and maintain irrigation systems: To ensure that everything is working properly before summer comes and the rain stops.

Count on our arbor care services to keep your trees beautiful and healthy. From planting advice to disease and pest control management and tree stump removal, we provide every arbor care service you may require. Clients love our integrated approach to tree care, landscaping and irrigation maintenance.

Property owners, developers and managers across the San Jose and East Bay areas, including in Fremont, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville depend on our comprehensive tree management services.

Call 408-453-3998 to discuss your tree care needs for spring or contact us online for a quote. Contact Petalon for certified arborist services as part of your commercial landscape management needs.